Musicians speak a language that every New Yorker can understand. They bring us together in bars, concert halls, in the subways and on the streets. Their story is the story of our city.

For the sixth season, we put out the call to hear from undiscovered musicians all across New York City's five boroughs. Hundreds entered, and only 40 were chosen to take part. Beginning February 6, they'll compete borough by borough until we have five finalists — each representing Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. They'll go head-to-head for glory, prizes and bragging rights live on our stage at the Ultimate Battle on March 27.

WQXR's Terrance McKnight returns as Battle emcee, along with a panel of award-winning artists and producers who will serve as judges.